How to Pray for Someone: 5 Steps to Transform Lives Through Prayer

Prayer is powerful! It changes lives, and we can help others through prayer.

Prayer is both a conversation and an encounter with God.

Believe it or not, there is no formula for how prayer has to be. 

The Bible instructs us to pray for one another.

Why? Because God loves us, He wants to help us and all we need to do is ask God.

It really is that simple. Here is a quick example.

Dear God

I lift up my mate Ben today, open up doors of opportunity for new work and finances, strengthen him, surround him with peace and bless him and His family this week.

Amen.

Now I know some of you want a little more than that 😛

So read on… 

Step 1: Connect with God

Find a quiet space

Look for a calm, quiet place. It’s important to focus on God without distractions.

This might be in your bathroom, under your duvet, in your car, garden, or walking. Find your place.

God is always speaking, but we can help ourselves hear when we are focused.

Clear your mind

Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10, NASV).

Take a moment to relax your thoughts.

I like to box breathe.

• 4 seconds inhaling through the nose.
• 4 seconds hold.
• 4 seconds exhaling through the mouth.
• 4 seconds hold.

and repeat.

This helps still my mind and everything else that is swirling around from life. 

If anything else ‘comes up’ I just give it to God. I picture myself literally handing over that thought.

Invite the Holy Spirit

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.

John 14:26 (NASV) says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

When we don’t know how to pray it makes sense to invite the Holy Spirit.

“Holy Spirit teach me how to pray for someone”.

Step 2: Pray with Faith

Believe in the power of prayer

Matthew 21:22 (NASV) reminds us, “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Our faith is not in how good we can pray.

It’s not even in if we have been ‘good enough’ to deserve God moving on our behalf.

We are told to boldly come before the throne of God, and we do this as a child of God. 

God hears your prayers and it’s His job to follow through. 

Your job is to be faithful and pray.

Thank you God!

Trust God’s goodness

God is good, and He loves us.

Nahum 1:7 (NASV) says, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.”

God never changes; He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8, NASV).

Jesus came to reveal the Father and show us God’s true nature—a God who is close and loves us deeply.

It is not possible for us to try to earn God’s favor or goodness. God gives himself, His mercy and grace and joy and peace freely!

Stand on His promises

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NASV) says, “For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.”

Trust in God’s promises as you pray.

Declare the truth of scripture as you pray to God. 

“Faith doesn’t deny a problem’s existence. It denies it a place of influence.”

Bill Johnson

Step 3: Be Specific in Your Prayers

Identify the person’s needs

Think about what the person needs most—physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

They may have shared with you or you may have noticed a need.

Pray for those specific needs. 

You might want to write them down to remind yourself as you pray.

Pray for healing

James 5:14-15 (NASV) says, “Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church, and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”

Pray for the person’s healing with confidence in Jesus, who paid for our healing at the cross.

We pray from a place of victory and healing, not for healing. 

There is a difference.

God has already purchased healing and it is our job to receive and release what is already in our bank account (so to speak).

Think about this.

There is no sickness in heaven, or decay or disease. 

I mean the bible is clear on this.

Jesus came to earth to bring the Kingdom to earth.

That is the prayer He modeled to us.

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is In heaven”.

We are to pray heaven to earth.

Thank God for His goodness

Philippians 4:6 (NASV) tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Express gratitude for God’s love and provision.

He’s good and worth of our praise.

Practical Example: Prayer for healing

“Father, I thank You for Your love and mercy. I declare healing for [Name], who needs Your touch right now. I believe Jesus paid for [Name]’s healing at the cross and sickness has no right to afflict them In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Practical Example: Prayer of salvation

“Dear God, I pray for [Name] to know Your love and grace. May they confess Jesus as Lord and believe in their heart that You raised Him from the dead, as Romans 10:9 (NASV) says. I ask for their salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Step 4: Pray with Compassion

Express genuine concern

1 Peter 3:8 (NASV) advises, “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit.” Show heartfelt concern in your prayers.

Ask for God’s comfort and guidance

Pray for the person to feel God’s presence and receive His guidance.

Peace is a person and the results of encountering the Prince of Peace are tangible.

Step 5: Stay Persistent in Prayer

Value regular prayer

Pray consistently for the person.

Don’t give up.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NASV) says, “pray without ceasing.”

Encourage others to join in prayer

If appropriate share prayer requests with others who will stand with you in prayer.

Matthew 18:20 (NASV) reminds us, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

There is power in agreement.

Celebrate answered prayers and breakthroughs

Rejoice when prayers are answered.

Share the goodness of God with others and acknowledge His faithfulness.

The testimony of Jesus and what He has done prophesies to others that He will and can do it again.

Stir up faith for God to move by sharing what He’s done.

Conclusion

Our prayers can transform lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.

By praying effectively for others, we become prayer warriors, helping those around us.

The key Is in tending your own vine. 

Make sure you take time to spend with God to worship Him and adore Him just because He is God.

Then from the overflow of that your life will be a pleasing aroma and a ministry to others.